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Cases against Askins, Webb, and Foster set for Trial

A trial date has been set in the cases against former Upper Cumberland Development District officials Wendy Askins, Larry Webb, and former UCDD board chairman Mike Foster.

An order resetting the trial was filed Tuesday, December 10 in U.S. District Court in Nashville. The order states that "the case is reset for a jury trial on May 20, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 873, United States Courthouse, 801 Broadway, Nashville. As soon as it appears that the case will be tried, the parties shall notify U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger's courtroom deputy of the anticipated number of trial days that will be necessary."

"Any plea agreement shall be consummated by noon on the Thursday before the trial, and the Courtroom Deputy notified thereof. Any proposed plea agreement shall be submitted to the court by noon on the Friday before the trial. No plea agreement will be entertained unless it is in compliance with this order."

"In advance of any plea hearing, the United States Attorney shall submit to chambers a document that lists the elements of each offense to which the defendant is pleading guilty and the statutory penalty for each, including period of incarceration, fine, and period of supervised release applicable."

"If the case is to be tried, the parties shall file the following by the close of business on the Tuesday before the trial:

A. an agreed set of jury instructions

2. Alternative versions of jury instructions on which there is not an agreement, with citations to supporting authorities.

3. an agreed verdict form or alternative versions; and

4. motions in limine

Responses to motions in limine shall be filed by 4:00 p.m. on the Friday before trial. Parties shall deliver to chambers a computer disc containing all proposed instructions and verdict forms that are filed.

The requirements set forth herein shall also apply to any continuances of this trial."

Askins, former UCDD Executive Director and Webb, former Assistant Director are charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy, embezzlement, bank fraud, unlawful monetary transactions and making false statements stemming from the Living the Dream project.

Foster was also indicted along with Askins for making false statements to the agency's board of directors.